New Mexico High School Football Thursday Night Preview & Predictions
NMPreps brings you the rundown of the games taking place on Thursday night in New Mexico high school football. As always, NMPreps is your go-to source for previews, scores, and coverage across the state.TOP-25 GAMES
No. 11 Sandia (0-1) vs No. 23 Cibola (1-0)
Details: 7:00 PM (Community Stadium, Albuquerque, NM)Preview: The Sandia Matadors are looking to bounce back after a tough offensive showing in last week's 28-7 loss to Piedra Vista. Quarterback Jeheel Lewis (2026) had some growing pains in the first but will only continue to develop. Defensively, seniors Jeremiah Bustillos, Tomas Adams, and Edgerin Garcia were standouts, combining for a total of 38 tackles. On the other side, Cibola finally broke a 15-game losing streak with an overtime victory against Albuquerque, 20-17. Wide receiver Danny Triplett was the hero, catching a 10-yard touchdown pass. The question now is, can the Cougars create some more magic?
Prediction: Sandia 24, Cibola 20 (Sandia -4.5)
Grine: Last week’s storylines were intriguing, and while the official NMPreps prediction had Sandia over Piedra Vista, I went with Piedra Vista in my personal pick. This week, I’m backing Sandia to rebound. Matadors win 27-14.
No. 19 Carlsbad (0-1) at No. 25 Goddard (0-1)
Details: 7:00 PM (Wool Bowl, Roswell, NM)Preview: Both teams are coming off losses. Carlsbad was defeated 44-7 in the Eddy County War against Artesia, while Goddard was upset by Portales, 22-16. Carlsbad will rely on strong performances from QB Kason Perez and defensive standout Colton McKibben as they look to start strong. Goddard, despite a solid start and a 0-0 tie after the first quarter, was plagued by penalties. They’ll aim to clean up their game with key contributions from RB Ryan Romero (2025) and sophomore QB Izaiah Montoya.
Prediction: Carlsbad 22, Goddard 21 (Carlsbad -1.5)
Grine: My gut says Carlsbad, but I have a feeling Goddard pulls off a win with a last-minute field goal by kicker Nathan Reed. Goddard wins 20-18.
MORE TO WATCH
Grants (1-0) at St. Pius X (0-1), 7 PM
Preview: Milne Stadium. Both Grants and St. Pius X rely heavily on their running game. St. Pius X sophomore RB Hershul Olloway Jr. rushed for 262 yards and 4 touchdowns last week, showcasing his explosive ability. Andrew Lazos led Grants with 100 rushing yards in their win last week. This matchup brings a touch of rivalry as the former district opponents face off on a Thursday night in Albuquerque. NMPreps prediction: St. Pius X 21, Grants 20Mountain View, Texas (0-0) at Santa Teresa (1-0), 7 PM
Preview: Santa Teresa is coming off a thrilling 15-14 victory over Silver last week, setting the stage for a promising season. Mountain View High School (Texas) opens their season tonight, facing a Santa Teresa team with a strong duo in RB David Gutierrez and dual-threat QB Nicholas Vierra. NMPreps Prediction: Santa Teresa pulls out another win, 24-22.Newcomb (1-0) at Santa Fe Indian (1-0), 7 PM
Preview: Both teams are coming off victories in their season openers. Newcomb secured a dominant 42-18 win last week, while Santa Fe Indian School, under a new head coach, edged out a 20-18 win over Cuba. Landon Noble had an impressive performance for Newcomb, rushing for 173 yards in week one. NMPreps Prediction: Newcomb wins in Santa Fe, 30-12.SCHEDULE
Thursday, August 29th
Carlsbad at Goddard, 7pm
Carrizozo at Dora, 7pm
Grants at St. Pius X, 7pm
JV Team at Capitan, 7pm
Mountain View, TX at Santa Teresa, 7pm
Newcomb at Santa Fe Indian, 7pm
NMSD at Floyd, 3pm
Sandia at Cibola, 7pm
Full Week 2 Scoreboard
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